Second Austronaut Programme Depends On Financial Situation

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- The implementation of the second astronaut programme under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP) will depend on the country's financial position, said Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.

He said, however, the second national astronaut, Major Dr Faiz Khaleed, would continue with the physical training to ensure that he maintained his medical fitness and had sufficient knowledge and skill before being sent into outer space.

Dr Ongkili said this when winding the debate on the Supply Bill 2010 at the committee stage for his ministry at the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Wednesday.

During the debate earlier, several Members of parliament wanted the programme to continue following the success of the first national astronaut, Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor.

Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Independent-Pasir Mas) called on the ministry to carry on the national astronaut programme which enabled the country to put the first Malaysian into space.

He said carrying on the programme would provide for continuation in the science exploration undertaken by the country.

"The programme should be continued and I support any allocation which is set aside for it because it is important for the future," he said when speaking during the debate.

Dr Mohd Hayati Othman (PAS-Pendang), in agreeing with Ibrahim, said it was hoped that the ministry would reveal the outcome of the experiments conducted by Dr Sheikh Muszaphar in the International Space Station (ISS).

"I understand that two of the three substances brought back for study were analysed in Japan and the third in our country. What is the outcome of the study and can it benefit mankind," he said.

Mohd Nizar Zakaria (BN-Parit) proposed that Malaysia collaborate with China in the space programme because of its capability in the field.

"I also suggest that our astronauts visit countries which have space programmes to share experiences and knowledge," he said.

Alexander Nanta Linggi (BN-Kapit) asked the ministry to state the concrete measures taken to send the second astronaut into space.

The second astronaut is expected to go to the ISS in 2011 or 2012.